Graham took to the Senate floor and made a unanimous consent request to bring his Pain Capable legislation, along with a competing measure, The Women's Health Care Protection Act, up for debate and votes. Democrats, who control the Senate, refused the request.

Graham's legislation seeks to protect unborn babies at 5 months of pregnancy - more than halfway to term. The competing measure would effectively abolish all abortion-related regulations passed by states.

"Senate Majority Leader Reid has shut down the Senate in unprecedented fashion," said Graham. "On the first anniversary of the Kermit Gosnell verdict, he should allow a vote on this important legislation. I'm confident there is bipartisan support for my bill and that is why Senator Reid is afraid to allow it to come up."

Graham noted that the United States is one of just seven countries worldwide which permits elective abortion after 5 months, more than halfway through pregnancy (20 weeks post-fertilization).

He also noted that science and technology have advanced tremendously since 1973 and that we now know that an unborn child at the twentieth week of pregnancy can feel pain. In fact, anesthesia is administered directly to unborn children in second trimester fetal surgery.

"The Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act is the new front in protecting the rights of the unborn," said Graham. "I'm very proud to be leading this charge and look forward to making the Senate vote on this important legislation."

05/22/14

05/27/14

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